"Unusual plants, Rare plants, exotic plants, Cyperus, Papyrus, water plants"

Cyperus

(Papyrus)

The family Cyperaceae is a large group of grasslike herbaceous plants that includes 70 genera and about 4000 species usually found in wetlands. The genus for which the family is named is Cyperus, (pronounced sy PEAR us) and several of the species in that genus are commonly known as Papyrus (pa PIE rus). These plants are mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and South America, with just a few species in temperate regions. Where they are not hardy, which is most of the US, they make excellent houseplants and pond plants that are overwintered indoors.

Cyperus alternifolius, sometimes called Umbrella Plant, is an old-fashioned houseplant that is due for a revival. Its tall, upright habit is very dramatic in a narrow space and, although naturally a water plant, requires only moderate watering indoors. The terminal umbrella of narrow leaves is adorned with flowers and seed heads from time to time, and although these are not colorful, they are attractive. This plant will grow to 5' or more, given a large enough pot and ample water and fertilizer, but can be kept smaller if desired. Zone 9.

Cyperus alternifolius 4" pot $5.00
Limit 3

Cyperus alternifolius gracilis, Sparkler Grass, is like the above, but much smaller, growing to about 18", and with narrower leaves and stems. It's a nice pond plant that is less overwhelming than its larger cousin, and good paired with the similarly-sized C. haspan, below. Zone 9.

Cyperus alternifolius gracilis 4" pot $5.00 Limit 3

Cyperus haspan is called Pygmy Egyptian Papyrus. It's form is similar to the giant C. papyrus, except that its leaves don't droop. It grows to about 18" and is the perfect companion to C. alternifolius gracilis, above. Zone 9.

Cyperus diffusus is sometimes called Dwarf Papyrus, though that could refer to other plants as well. It is a rather squat plant, to about a foot tall, with leaves that are broader even than C. alternifolius. This species seems not so fond of water as the others, but it is vigorous in a moist situation. It is very apt to flower in the unspectacular but attractive manner of Cyperus, and is a good companion to its variegated version, below. Zone 10

Cyperus diffusus variegatus is a very pretty variegated form that has such light green foliage that it can appear white. It shares the predisposition to flower with its green cousin above, its broad leaves, and some, but not all, of that plant's vigor. Zone 10

Cyperus diffusus variegatus 4" pot $6.00
Limit 1

Cuperus papyrus, pictured at the top of the page, is the most famous of the genus, known commonly as Egyptian Paper Reed, Egyptian Papyrus, or just Papyrus. It is the plant that gives its name to paper, which was first made from its pounded stems, and is regarded as the bullrush of Moses. But even if it had no other claim to fame, it would still be one of the most elegant plants in cultivation, with its 12'- tall stems and large mop heads of pendulous leaves and sparkling greenish flower spikelets that measure nearly a foot across. Needs lots of water and pot space to attain its full majesty. Looks good indoors only in a sunny space such as an atrium, but can be overwintered elsewhere by cutting the longer stems, which will droop sadly anyhow, for lack of light. Because of its height, this plant is shipped with the longer stems cut back, leaving plenty of root and a couple of new shoots, which will grow rapidly with light, water, and warmth. Sadly, this plant became nearly extinct in its native habitat, though there have been recent attempts to re-introduce it. Zone10.

Cyperus (Papyrus)
The family Cyperaceae is a large group of grasslike herbaceous plants that includes 70 genera and about 4000 species usually found in wetlands. The genus for which the family is named is Cyperus, (pronounced sy PEAR us) and several of the species in that genus are commonly known as Papyrus (pa PIE rus). These plants are mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and South America, with just a few species in temperate regions. Where they are not hardy, which is most of the US, they make excellent houseplants and pond plants that are overwintered indoors.
Cyperus alternifolius, sometimes called Umbrella Plant, is an old-fashioned houseplant that is due for a revival. Its tall, upright habit is very dramatic in a narrow space and, although naturally a water plant, requires only moderate watering indoors. The terminal umbrella of narrow leaves is adorned with flowers and seed heads from time to time, and although these are not colorful, they are attractive. This plant will grow to 5' or more, given a large enough pot and ample water and fertilizer, but can be kept smaller if desired. Zone 9.	Cyperus alternifolius 4" pot $5.00 Limit 3
Cyperus alternifolius gracilis, Sparkler Grass, is like the above, but much smaller, growing to about 18", and with narrower leaves and stems. It's a nice pond plant that is less overwhelming than its larger cousin, and good paired with the similarly-sized C. haspan, below. Zone 9.	Cyperus alternifolius gracilis 4" pot $5.00 Limit 3
*Cyperus haspan* is called Pygmy Egyptian Papyrus. It's form is similar to the giant C. papyrus, except that its leaves don't droop. It grows to about 18" and is the perfect companion to C. alternifolius gracilis, above. Zone 9.	Cyperus haspan 4" pot $5.00 Limit 3
*Cyperus diffusus* is sometimes called Dwarf Papyrus, though that could refer to other plants as well. It is a rather squat plant, to about a foot tall, with leaves that are broader even than C. alternifolius. This species seems not so fond of water as the others, but it is vigorous in a moist situation. It is very apt to flower in the unspectacular but attractive manner of Cyperus, and is a good companion to its variegated version, below. Zone 10	Cyperus diffusus 4" pot $4.00 Limit 3
Cyperus diffusus variegatus is a very pretty variegated form that has such light green foliage that it can appear white. It shares the predisposition to flower with its green cousin above, its broad leaves, and some, but not all, of that plant's vigor. Zone 10	Cyperus diffusus variegatus 4" pot $6.00 Limit 1
Cuperus papyrus, pictured at the top of the page, is the most famous of the genus, known commonly as Egyptian Paper Reed, Egyptian Papyrus, or just Papyrus. It is the plant that gives its name to paper, which was first made from its pounded stems, and is regarded as the bullrush of Moses. But even if it had no other claim to fame, it would still be one of the most elegant plants in cultivation, with its 12'- tall stems and large mop heads of pendulous leaves and sparkling greenish flower spikelets that measure nearly a foot across. Needs lots of water and pot space to attain its full majesty. Looks good indoors only in a sunny space such as an atrium, but can be overwintered elsewhere by cutting the longer stems, which will droop sadly anyhow, for lack of light. Because of its height, this plant is shipped with the longer stems cut back, leaving plenty of root and a couple of new shoots, which will grow rapidly with light, water, and warmth. Sadly, this plant became nearly extinct in its native habitat, though there have been recent attempts to re-introduce it. Zone10.	Cyperus papyrus bare root $15.00 SOLD OUT